Dr. Kristin Michel

Area of study: Division of Biology
Email: kmichel@ksu.edu
Website: Homepage

“Serpins form a large superfamily of related molecules which inhibit serine proteases, enzymes which break down many kinds of proteins. Serpins are present in most species of fungi, plants and insects, as well as humans. They have a wide variety of biological functions ranging from regulating blood clotting to modulating immune reactions. Additionally, some serpins act as tumor suppressors, such that elimination of their function leads to cancer. My laboratory studies serpin functions in mosquitoes to understand how these molecules can influence the transmission of malaria. In addition to addressing possible ways to curb the devastating effects of malaria, these studies have potential to inform us about the relationship of serpins and human cancers.”